The survey was presented to Rural Affairs and Environment Minister George Pullicino and Gozo Minister Giovanna Debono, when the two yesterday toured organic farms in Gozo. The survey showed that there is a clear demand for such products but there are still several factors that work against the sector, such as the consumers’ lack of knowledge on organic farming and the difficulty to find such products on the market.

There is also a lack of farmers who grow organic crops. Although there is still much to do in this sector, the results of the survey should encourage more farmers to consider shifting to organic farming.

Mrs Debono said that the cultivation of crops without the use of pesticides has been practiced in Gozo for quite some time.

Mr Pullicino said that the government is committed to expand the sector. Apart from setting up the Organic Agriculture Authority, the government is also offering technical assistance in the form of experiments at the Ghammieri farm and courses to farmers.